Southwest home decor provides a rustic atmosphere and is particularly appropriate in states such as Arizona, New Mexico, California and Nevada. However, the style can jazz up your living space no matter where you live, and there is no shortage of decorating options. As noted at Southwestern Dream Home, there are a variety of Southwest style options, and you can choose one or mix and match various themes.

The Southwest Feel

The Southwest feel is usually relaxed, rustic and comfortable. According to Southwestern Dream Home, there are four subcategories of Southwest design. The Western or cowboy approach utilizes Old West memorabilia and horses to emphasize the Wild West aspect of Southwest culture. The Mexican route uses imports including Mexican blankets and pottery to decorate the home. The more modern approach simply uses Southwest color schemes, as well as landscaping, to exude a Southwest atmosphere. The Native American approach emphasizes the art and culture of Native Americans, with sand paintings, dream catchers and Native American art and pottery to set the scene. The true Southwest is a melting pot of cultures, so a smattering of each is both attractive and authentic.

Color Schemes

Southwest color schemes tend to utilize pink, mauve, turquoise, purple and light browns (think of a desert sunset). According to Creative Home Decorating Room by Room, the most popular Southwest color is Taos blue, a combination of light blue and violet. You may also choose to use bright and bold color patterns, as are typical in Mexican and Native American art. For a more subtle approach, use wood to create a rustic look, combined with smaller details such as Southwest lamps or throw rugs. To recreate the desert, emphasize beige, brown, gray and sage green.

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Lighting

Lighting options should complement your overall Southwest color scheme. Use dim lighting with a bold Southwest color scheme to bring out any dark reds or browns. For a minimalist desert room, use bright colors and plenty of natural lighting to bring out beige and light colors. Mexican and Native American pottery make excellent lamp stands, and patterns with bold colors will further accentuate the ethnic theme. Cowboy lamps that feature a base with a cowboy riding a bull add character to any Southwest room.

Accessories

The Southwest has plenty of decorating accessories that add to the charm and comfort of any home. Kokopelli Indian art, kiva ladders, Kachina dolls, drums and jewelry are a few Native American options. A Mexican blanket draped over a solid-colored couch brings a Southwest feel at an affordable price. Skulls, longhorns and bones are reminiscent of desert heat, and wagon wheels and saddles accentuate a cowboy theme. You can choose to decorate each room with a certain emphasis, or mix and match accessories throughout the home.

Landscape

No Southwest home is complete without a bit of desert foliage. A cacti and succulent garden for the home exterior provides a solid first impression and complements interior decor. If you live in a climate that cannot sustain desert plants, use them as potted plants inside the home. Cacti and succulents are easy to maintain and will survive in most homes with regular care. Use well-drained soil and place in a well-lit area, such as a windowsill.

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About the Author

Nicole Crawford is a NASM-certified personal trainer, doula and pre/post-natal fitness specialist. She is studying to be a nutrition coach and RYT 200 yoga teacher. Nicole contributes regularly at Breaking Muscle and has also written for "Paleo Magazine," The Bump and Fit Bottomed Mamas.